English

English Tuition

We are excited to have recently appointed a dynamic and innovative Head of English who is currently introducing a range of new courses, learning strategies and resources to the department. She previously worked in a large secondary school in the London Borough of Hounslow where her responsibilities included Head of A-Level studies and Gifted and Talented Co-Ordinator.

Whether you are struggling to read, need extra support with your A-Level studies or feel you are being insufficiently challenged at school, there is tuition available to support and stretch your learning needs. A variety of learning and teaching techniques are employed to ensure your child learns in the way which best suits them. Come and learn in a friendly and welcoming environment where you will feel comfortable and confident to explore the fascinating subject of English. All ages are welcome.

Types of Tuition Offered:

KS 1 and 2 (pupils aged 7-11):

• Themed topics of work on pirates and the mysterious ways of making chocolate!
• Multi-sensory structured spelling, reading and writing programmes
• Grammar practise
• Creative writing projects
• Educational computer games
• Creative quizzes
• Diverse library of books which you can take home to read
• Team work activities (leading to exciting prizes and awards)
• Homework support

KS3 (pupils aged 11-14):

The skills which your child will need to successfully complete their GCSE English Language and Literature qualifications are being taught across years seven to nine. Some schools even offer the opportunity for pupils to begin their GCSE a year early in year nine. At Kip McGrath key skills are fed into all Key Stage Three lessons which will ensure your child is vigilantly prepared for the key areas of their exam: speaking and listening; controlled assessments and the exam itself.

That doesn’t mean to say it’s all exam, exam, exam! We have much fun along the way through creative writing projects, role play activities, script writing tasks and lively discussions. After all, learning about English doesn’t just mean writing about it!

Key Areas Explored

• Guidance and practice tasks (examples are available)
• Exchange performance ideas with other pupils.
• Preparation for the marked performance in year ten

• Discover how to use language, imagery and punctuation techniques to draw your reader in
• Develop your analytical and evaluative skills
• Learn how to coerce your reader into agreeing with you or even buying your product through your written skills of persuasion

• A range of texts are explored including prose (stories), poetry and drama
• Struggling to understand what Shakespeare was talking about? Bring your queries to our Dr Shakespeare lab. You may even enjoy acting out some scenes!

GCSE (pupils aged 14-16):

• Have a go at past exam papers (can be completed under timed conditions) and get feedback on your responses.
• Preparation for controlled assessments*** and the three key areas (reading, writing and speaking and listening).

Reading and Writing

• Critically examine writing styles and make connections between the texts using appropriate literary and linguistic concepts.
• Learn appropriate English vocabulary which will get you extra marks in the exam.
• Analyse the difference between spoken and written language.
• Explore the importance of audience, purpose and context.
• Evaluate the ways in which attitudes and values are conveyed or implied by the writer.

***New Changes to the GCSE English Syllabus: Students no longer have to write five pieces of lengthy, time-consuming coursework at home. Instead, all students complete several pieces of written work at school under time and exam conditions. These are called ‘Controlled Assessments’. Our Head of English has been trained in how to teach and deliver Controlled Assessments and is offering classes which demonstrate and allow you to practise how to plan your controlled assessment and how to write under exam conditions.

A Level (pupils aged 14-18):

• Interesting discussions about the texts you are studying
• Helpful revision notes
• Group discussions
• Written and verbal feedback
• Timed essays
• Access to film version of texts

Home Educated Students

Why not come along to our centre for a change of scenery! Both one-on-one and small group tuition is available to support KS1 to A-Level English. GCSE and A-Level controlled assessments and exam preparation classes.

11+ tuition

Here in Bucks parents strive to get their children into grammar schools. Many children undertake extra tuition to further their understanding of the types of questions they will encounter and to improve the speed at which they can answer these questions. Here at Kip 11+ tuition can be integrated into weekly KS1 and 2 lessons, or you can come to us for one-on-one or small group classes to specifically prepare you for the grammar school entrance exam.

If English isn't your first language then don't let language be a barrier to passing the 11+. Specialist classes for those who speak English as an additional language are available.

Adult Education

Would you like to understand more about the types of skills your children are learning and at school? Do you feel with a greater insight into the subject you would be able to provide a greater level of support to your child and the development of their education? Why not come along and brush up on your skills, or even take an A Level with us. We are never too old to stop learning!

Adult classes are available at a time which suits you, whether that be in during the day or late in the evening. We can fit around your working day.

Session Times